March | 2023 | Armrestrenegade

“Forgive yourself so you can begin to believe you deserve the life you earned.”

I love Rocky films. Some of the movies have been better than others but I am always absorbed and entertained.

I have always found the grit and candor of 1976 Rocky 1 compelling. I felt deeply for Rocky when he feared losing his title shot only to go back to being a “nobody”. Creed 3 brings a modern grit and honesty; reminiscent of the gravitas in the original film.

This edition is special. It has all the touchstones of why I love these movies while leading with a fresh and unpredictable story, 47 years past the premiere.

So because my brain (led by right & organized by left) LOVES lists, I give you my list of why I believe Creed 3 is BOSS.

1. Track suits may become popular again because how amazing they look especially on MBJ.

2. The music is outstanding. It is a genius fusion of heavy hitting 80s anthems with a cutting edge 2023 music soundscape.

3. The women in the film; fierce. Whether they are 10 or 70, the females pack an equal punch. Nope, there is no more brother Pauly demeaning his spinster sister. Eleanor R would approve. Progress.

4. There are delightful throwbacks and thoughtful homages throughout the film nodding to this formidable movie dynasty.

5. The story is not cliche. It is interesting and unpredictable.

6. Phylicia Rashad. Amazing. I may have thought she might say “WIN” to Adonis but this was much more well written.

7. Jonathan Majors eyes. Omg. I wanted to hug him even when I wanted to slug him. He’s such a like-able villain. He made me feel and imagine all of the horrors he endured in jail. He also had me at clock ticking.

8. I love the directness in the writing of the script and the colloquial language.

9. I appreciate the quandary presented: “Can we be happy even if we aren’t going for the “gold?”

10. I don’t recall many social emotional conversations in a boxer film. The conversations between Adonis and Bianca were heartfelt and riveting.

11. The training. I mean, pulling the plane? Amazeballs.

12. The classic shit talking? Just delightful. Oh no you didn’t just call him “Baby Creed??” I don’t think Dame is the toughest name, imo.

13. Twas cool to see real boxers in the film including women.

14. I see where you are going with Amara……..;-)

15. Crypto stadium. Clever.

16. The set of the Creed home was spectacular.

17. Michael’s suits. Tremendous. I’m running out of superlatives here.

18. There were some intriguing filming choices; definitely a new take on this trope.

19. Gotta love when the brass enters the soundtrack. Nobility abounds.

20. I have greatly enjoyed seeing Rocky films since I moved here in 2002 in NJ theaters. Very animated audience.

21. Rule of thumb, the campier the entrance attire on the boxer, the more likely they are to lose.

22. Oh, in my imaginary boxing ring, I have guys dressed in gold lame shorts not unlike legally blonde.

ARMRESTRATING: I raise 2 airplane pulling armrests; COMING FOR IT ALL in this stellar new chapter of Creed. There is tomorrow, Carl Weathers. I know you’re proud. Ding, ding.